Leatrice Luria Named Emeritus Director of the Music Academy of the West
For Immediate Release November 7, 2006
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA-In recognition of her many extraordinary efforts as a board director and as an energetic and generous advocate and benefactor, the Music Academy of the West has conferred upon Leatrice "Lee" Luria the honorary title of Emeritus Director. The title is the highest honor bestowed upon former Music Academy directors.
A Santa Barbara resident for 52 years, Mrs. Luria became an ardent Music Academy supporter after attending a student orchestra performance more than a decade ago. She and her late husband, Eli, subsequently immersed themselves in Academy programming and performances.
"I was just amazed by that concert," recalled Mrs. Luria, a native of New Hampshire. "I found out afterward that the student musicians had only a week to prepare and practice with that conductor. That was it for me. From that point forward, I realized the Academy was truly a community treasure to be nurtured and promoted."
Mrs. Luria served on the Music Academy Board of Directors from 1995 to 2004. As chair of the Scholarship and Student Activities Committee in the 1990s, she spearheaded efforts to make the Academy a full scholarship institution. She says she is most proud of founding the Compeer Program, which pairs students with families in the community during the Academy's Summer School and Festival. The program serves about 135 students each year.
"The sheer enthusiasm and joy that Lee brings to her efforts on behalf of the Academy and our students have been nothing short of inspiring. She has been genuinely indispensable to the Academy's continued development, and we are grateful for her ongoing contributions," said NancyBell Coe, president of the Music Academy.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and students receive full scholarships. Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many have established themselves as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including student recitals, masterclasses, orchestra and chamber music concerts, and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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